We're available Monday through Friday, between 9 am and 7 pm EST to answer your call

4 days

Cusco

2 ~ 10

High content

Description

For anyone who has ever dreamed of trekking the famous Inca Trail, this group trek will allow you to do just that while also experiencing local culture. This physically demanding trail will challenge you and show you all the highlights of both the Sacred Valley and this ancient path. The grand finale to your hike? Not only will you witness stunning view and fascinating history along the way, but as tradition, the trail ends in a visit to the world wonder, Machu Picchu.

Day 1: Start of the Trail (8.7 miles)After an early morning pick up, you will begin your trek. Enjoy the incredible views of the Inca trail along the way. You'll have a lunch break two hours in to boost your energy before you finish your day by picking your camping spot at Ayapata. Once that's completed, you'll have some time to relax and enjoy your dinner.

Day 2: Dead Woman's Pass (9.9 miles)An early start is necessary to hike the highest part of the trek, Dead Woman's Pass. After this steep climb, you'll take a well-deserved break for lunch. Start back up to ascend the second pass of the tek where you'll see Runcu Raccay's two waterfalls. After a long day's climb, watch as the sun sets over Sayacmarca where you'll get an incredible view of the valley. Your second campsite at Dry Lake is only 20 minutes further so your day will end shortly after setting up camp and dinner. Your expert local guides will point out some fascinating Inca constellations before bed.

Day 3: The Cloud Forest (6.2 miles)This day starts the most beautiful part of the Inca Trail. You'll enter the Cloud Forest after walking through the Inca flat. The best view of the day is of one of the snow-capped mountains and a panoramic view of the Vilcabamba mountain range. You'll make your way to the last peak for views of the Urubamba River and Machu Picchu Mountain.

Then, a three hours walk will lead you to your very last campsite near the Wiñay Wayna ruins. A slight descent and visit to two Inca ruins will round out your day. Once you've arrived at camp, you'll be prepped for the next day's visit to Machu Picchu. Plus, an early arrival at camp will leave you with plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

Day 4: Machu PicchuThis will be your earliest start, at 4 a.m. The Sun Gate opens at 5:30 a.m. and you'll want to be one of the first people trekking to the incredible sight. Even the walk to the grand finale is gorgeous as you pass through the Lost City of the Incas. Once you reach your final destination of Machu Picchu, you will receive a 2-hour guided tour. A bus will take you down to Aguas Calientes, where you will have some time to do some more light hiking and exploring. Another 2-hour bus will drop you off back at your accommodations in Cusco.

Show more

Eligibility criteria

This is a physically demanding 4 day trek. Must be physically fit.

What's Included

Expert local guide trained in first aid

Meals and water for the trek

Porters to carry equipment and supplies

Private transportation to your Cusco hotel

All required hiking supplies

Inca trail permits

Entrance fees

Bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes

What's not included

Sleeping bag, which can be rented

Additional Pricing Information (*)

This price quote is for a public group trek for a total party of up to 18 people. If you're interested in a private trek with your personal porters included, please contact founders@localaventura.com for a price quote. Pricing for a private trek will depend upon party size.

Recommendations

We recommend at least 1 day in Cusco to acclimate to the high altitude.

For recommendations about packing, please contact your local guide for a packing list.

Pack lightly, as you will need to carry your own personal equipment. If you'd like to hire a porter for your personal items, please contact founders@localaventura.com for a price quote.

Tags

Highly ActiveOutdoorsy Types

Gallery

Domingo, Huber, and Urbano

Domingo Born in the beautiful province of Acomayo, right in the Andes Mountains, my love of the great outdoors began at a young age. When I was just a kid, my family moved to Cusco, where I discovered my love of tourism. I first began working in tourism as a porter on the Inca Trail. It was really hard work, but working with the guides inspired me to become one as well. I went to school to study tourism. I remember the day I received my license as an official tour guide like it was yesterday! It was such an exciting moment to be able to lead people on the trail, and now 16 years later, I still get that same excitement every time I host a tour. A few years ago, I decided to take my passion and begin my own tour company. My hope that through my tours, I can show travelers not only the beauty and history of the region but also teach them about the rich Andean culture.

HuberGrowing up in a small town in the Sacred Valley, I was raised to always respect and love Mother Nature. As a kid, I always admired the tour guides passing through my town. Not only did they get to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but they got to meet people from all over the world. I became determined that I too would become a tour guide. As soon as I was old enough, I moved to Cusco to study tourism and become a certified Inca Trail guide. For about 14 years now, I have been leading tours, and discovered that, beyond taking my guests on the “typical” paths, I wanted to be a unique guide and take them to the unique interesting spots other guides weren’t going to. I also have studied medicinal plants and love teaching my travelers about the many fascinating benefits these plants can have.

UrbanoI was born in the Apurimac region of Peru in an indigenous community with rich agricultural land. As a kid, I learned from my parents how to work on the field and the importance of maintaining our culture’s age-old traditions. Although I left my small town at a very young age to go to elementary school in Cusco, I’ve carried this appreciation for ancient culture my whole life. Living in the magical city of Cusco, I was able to expand upon my knowledge of my ancestors even more and was inspired to take this knowledge and share it with others. After studying tourism in school, I became a tour guide, specializing in ancient cultures. Having been born in a village in an indigenous village and as a native speaker of the Quechua language, teaching travelers from all over the world about the history and land has been an absolute dream.

Other things to do in Peru

Planning a trip to Latin America? Get access to our comprehensive guides to each major city.

LocalAventura invites you to experience Latin America through the eyes of a passionate local. By connecting you with our hand-selected local guides, you'll get the authentic and one-of-a-kind adventure you've been searching for.